Microsoft is rolling out a significant redesign of the Windows 11 Start menu, aiming to enhance user experience and address long-standing criticisms. This overhaul focuses on personalization, efficiency, and ease of use, while maintaining a familiar feel for long-time Windows users. The redesigned Start menu is currently being tested with Windows Insiders and is expected to be available to all users in the coming months.

Design Philosophy and Goals

The Windows Design team emphasized that the core purpose of the Start menu remains the same: to help users quickly find and access their apps and content. However, in 2025, functionality alone isn't enough. The team followed four guiding principles: "Apps at a Glance," "Make it Yours," "Accelerate the Day," and "Honor the Icon". These principles translate to providing quick access to the entire app library, offering extensive customization options, streamlining routine tasks, and respecting users' established muscle memory.

Key Features and Changes

• Improved App Discovery: The new Start menu eliminates the need to open a separate "All Apps" view. Instead, all apps are displayed at the top level and can be browsed in three different layouts: a category-based grid that highlights frequently used programs, a traditional A-Z list, or a named grid view. Users can switch between these views based on their preference.
• Enhanced Personalization: Microsoft recognizes that users want more control over the Start menu's appearance and behavior. The redesigned menu offers options to customize and organize apps, as well as expand, collapse, or hide different sections. Users can also adjust the balance between pinned apps and recommendations.
• Dynamic Recommendations: The "Recommended" section now adapts to user behavior in real time, offering more logical and relevant suggestions. Users also have the ability to hide less helpful suggestions.
• Phone Companion Integration: The new Start menu includes a "phone sliver" or panel that provides easy access to connected Android or iOS devices. This allows users to quickly pick up photos, messages, or tasks from their phone without disrupting their workflow.
• Streamlined Interface: The redesigned Start menu features a wider layout that can accommodate more pinned apps and display more information at once. The menu also adapts to different screen sizes, ensuring optimal use of space on various devices, from small tablets to large monitors.
• Improved Performance: Microsoft claims that the new Start menu loads faster than the previous version.
• AI Integration: Microsoft is exploring ways to integrate AI into the Start menu and other areas of Windows 11. For example, an AI agent can help users find and change settings on their PC by simply describing what they want to do.

User Feedback and Iteration

Microsoft's design team collaborated with over 300 Windows 11 users throughout the redesign process. They gathered feedback through various methods, including unmoderated studies, live co-creation calls, eye-tracking heat maps, and scroll wheel counts. This iterative approach ensured that the final design addressed user concerns and met their needs.

Rejected Designs

During the design process, Microsoft explored a variety of concepts that were ultimately rejected. These included a rounded Start menu with widget-like elements, a "For You" section with content from Teams and YouTube, and a design that filled nearly the entire vertical space of the screen. While these ideas didn't make it into the final product, they demonstrate Microsoft's willingness to experiment and explore different approaches.

Additional Windows 11 Updates

In addition to the Start menu redesign, Microsoft is planning to roll out several other new features and improvements to Windows 11. These include:

• AI-powered features in File Explorer: AI actions in File Explorer will make it easier to use AI-powered features like content summarization or image editing.
• Notepad updates: Notepad is getting basic formatting tools like bold and italics, headings, markup, and lists.
• Lock screen widget customization: Users will be able to customize the widgets that appear on the lock screen.
• Smaller Taskbar icons: An option to make the Taskbar denser with smaller icons will be available.
• Improved battery icon: Battery icon improvements will allow users to see battery drain in real time.

Microsoft's commitment to continuous improvement is evident in the Windows 11 Start menu redesign and the other upcoming features. By listening to user feedback and embracing new technologies, Microsoft aims to create a more personalized, efficient, and enjoyable computing experience.